This is a brief summary of the story of how I helped my client improve her communication at work. 

A project manager felt disrespected by her team due to a lack of technical knowledge and weak communication. To address this, I implemented a 3-step approach: 1) bi-weekly technical briefings, 2) replacing weak verbs with strong verbs to convey authority, and 3) assertiveness training to express ideas clearly. Within weeks, she confidently participated in technical discussions, leading her team more effectively. This improved communication boosted morale and led to a successful product launch. 

The Global Professional Podcast

Overcoming your Fears with Confident Language - EP 30

In August 1995 Britain's two biggest bands battled for the number one position. Discover what happened, how the battle divided the nation, and why the story is about much more than just music.

English Learning for Curious Minds

Oasis vs. Blur

会 (huì) means "to be able to" or "to know how to." It is used to describe a specific skill or ability that someone has. For example:
我会说中文。 (Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén.) - I can speak Chinese.
可以 (kěyǐ) means "to be allowed to" or "to have permission to." It is used to describe whether someone is allowed or permitted to do something. For example:
你可以坐这里。 (Nǐ kěyǐ zuò zhèlǐ.) - You are allowed to sit here.
能 (néng) means "to be able to" or "to have the ability to." It is used to describe a general ability or capability that someone has. For example:
我能做这件事。 (Wǒ néng zuò zhè jiàn shì.) - I am able to do this.
In general, 会 is used to describe a specific skill or ability that someone has, while 可以 is used to describe whether someone is allowed or permitted to do something, and 能 is used to describe a general ability or capability that someone has.

Difference between A and B in Chinese with Shanmei

会 (huì) VS 可以 (kěyǐ) VS 能 (néng) 

Jennifer goes on an investigation to find out the truth. Did Junior really steal his award-winning design or has Jennifer lost her mind?

This story uses words from '3000 most common words in English'. 


When Jennifer got home that day, she called her grandma. They caught up on the essentials: the move to the new city, the teachers at her school and if she liked her new bedroom. But then Jennifer got down to business.

She explained how this guy called Junior won a gardening award for most innovative design, being the youngest winner in the ceremony’s history. Jennifer’s grandma was supportive of this boy, the way grandparents are always supportive of any accomplishment, big or small. But Jennifer insisted that he was treated like an otherworldly superstar and that it didn’t seem right. 

Jennifer finally just said it. “I think Junior violated the competition rules by copying someone’s design, but I can’t prove it.”

“Oh, my dear, that’s cute, you’ve always loved coming up with adorable little theories. Do you 
remember your friend, Samantha? You two were always playing detectives. Sometimes I see her—”

“—Yes, grandma, but could you help? Take a photo of your neighbour’s garden, please. I think Junior copied her design.”

“Oh, sure thing, dear, I’ll take it after our call and send it straight away. So, tell me more about your new friends…”

Jennifer ended the call by ranting about the truth and how when people manipulate reality, they distort our ability to be authentic individuals. Her grandma kept repeating that’s sweet, dear.

Moments after the call ended, Jennifer received the photo. She compared it to Junior’s. They were identical.

Being a Cloud

Jennifer the Tomato

Tervetuloa kuuntelemaan syksyistä jaksoa pyhäinpäivän vietosta Suomessa. Miten vietän pyhäinpäivää ja miten kurpitsat liittyvät marraskuuhun? Haudoilla käynti pyhäinpäivänä on yleistä, se on kaunis tapa muistella edesmenneitä.


Suomea for you

16. jakso: Pyhäinpäivä Suomessa

In this episode, we will learn some colors

Merhaba Türkçe 

Turkish Podcast: Colors

In this episode, we chat with an Irish expat living in Colombia about the joys and challenges of life abroad. From cultural differences to language barriers, acculturation, and the digital nomad lifestyle, we explore what it truly means to adapt to a new country. Whether you're considering a move or just curious about expat life, this conversation is packed with insights and advice!

Thanks to Jerome for being such a great guest!!!

Alexis : https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/9464070
Jerome: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/4075458

Hey Alexis!

From Ireland to Colombia: Embracing Life Abroad

Feeling Stuck in English? Learn simple ways to start and carry real conversations that build connection and confidence. 

Real English Skills

Why Your English Feels Stuck (And What to Do)


You just got into bed after a long day, and you're exhausted. You plan to spend a few minutes on your phone — maybe scrolling Instagram or TikTok — and then sleep.

But when you try to sleep, it's not as easy as you thought it would be. You were so tired — what happened?

According to a new study, your phone may be the problem.

The study, done by researchers at New Zealand's University of Otago, involved 85 kids aged 11 to 14. They each spent a week wearing a body camera on their chest starting from three hours before they got into bed.

A second camera was also placed in their bedrooms to monitor their phone use once they were in bed. They also wore a device that tracked their sleep.

The researchers found that 99% of the participants used their phones in the two hours before bed. More than half used their phones while they were in bed, and about a third used their phones after trying to go to sleep.

The results showed that screen time in bed affected participants' sleep — it stopped them from going to sleep for about half an hour, and also reduced the amount of sleep they got.

The impact was larger when participants had a more interactive experience — such as playing a game — or if they used more than one screen. For every additional 10 minutes of this type of screen time, sleep time was reduced by the same amount.

Interestingly, phone use in the two hours before bed had little impact on sleep.

According to lead researcher Bradley Brosnan, the results suggest that, while current guidelines recommend no screen time in the hour or two before bed, keeping phones out of the bedroom might be enough for a better night's sleep.